Matthew 6:19-21

19 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

• We are natural hoarders. We naturally seek security in material wealth. No matter how much we have, we desire more and more stuff.
• God wants us to focus on our treasures in heaven. Heaven is a place waiting for us that is filled with things of real value. Complete paradise. No sin, no pain, no struggle, just the holiness of God and the opportunity for us to see him face to face!
• The things of this world were not meant to last. We were not meant to live forever and yet we try to hold on to life and material things as though they were meant to satisfy us in some way. They do satisfy us temporarily but God provides true happiness and complete satisfaction.
• When we put our treasures in heaven our hearts follow. We cannot have a heart for God and a heart for the things of this world. You must choose!
• Where are you storing your treasures? Where is your heart?

Isaiah 43:1-4

Isaiah 43:1-4

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
    O Israel, the one who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
    I gave Ethiopia[a] and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
    I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
    You are honored, and I love you.

• When you have paid for something and own it you tend to take care of it. We are Gods possession and he paid a heavy price for each one of us.
• When he speaks we should listen and trust in his motives and believe his intentions.
• We will not be spared from troubling times. It say "when" and not "if" you go through deep waters, difficult rivers, and walk through fires.
• Although God allows us to go through tough times, God loves to deliver us. He loves to show his power and great love for us.
• God will not allow us to drown or be consumed by the fire. We can trust in God that he will not give us more than we can bear and will always be there for us.
• Vs 3-4 is past tense. Remember in years past how God delivered you. Look back see what God has done in your life and how he has spared you. Use those truths in your life to help build your faith going forward. God has proven time and time again that he will not forsake us.
• We are precious to God and honored in his sight. We must never forget that. Satan wants us to devalue ourselves but we must not allow him to convince us that we are not precious in Gods sight. Remember that you were bought and paid for with precious blood of Jesus.
• Regardless what happens in your life from that day forward you are blessed with salvation! Praise God!

Romans 7:1-5

Romans 7:1-5

7 Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

• Laws are a good until they are broken. The Old Testament laws were very cumbersome and the religious leaders put many extra burdens on the people as well.
• What a relief to know that God has done away with the legalism of the law and has provided grace and mercy through Jesus.
• I no longer have to live in fear of breaking the law. My motives to serve and love God are based in Jesus and not on trying to be perfect which is I am unable to do.
• What a burden that has been lifted!
• The law is still right and just but God has provided a new way for me to live out his laws without being condemned for one infraction.
• Under the law we are able to only produce fruit that leads to death.

• By serving in "the new way of the spirit" I am free from the law and free to bear spiritual fruit for God.

Hebrews 2:10-11

Hebrews 2:10-11

10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.

• God has chosen us as his children. His intention is to bring us into his glory to one day be with him. 
• We cannot approach God the way we are. We need to be refined. Refined the way silver and gold are refined. Through the fire to remove all the impurities in our lives.
• Jesus was molded by God into the savior of the world by his suffering. How do I view suffering? Do I see it the way God intended it? As a tool to mold and refine my character so that I can be more like him.
• Jesus as my brother or sister. Think about that statement. Jesus is God and at the same time the Son of God. Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. By lowering himself to become human and also elevating us to the status of his equals by calling us brothers and sisters, He has set the ultimate example of humility
• Jesus is not ashamed of who we are. Are you ashamed of who Jesus is? Does your life profess Jesus as Lord? He is our savior and one true king and the whole world should hear his praise coming from our lips!

Repentance and supplication

Repentance and supplication

Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.

Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.

Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.

Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.

Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.

Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!




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1 John 3:1-6

1 John 3:1-6

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

• Children of God! As sinful as we are God still considers us his children. When a prince knows he is a prince he holds his head up high. He walks in confidence because he is the Kings son. Similarly we have received authority from the Almighty God and are heirs to His throne! As God's children we too should walk in confidence and appreciate what it truly means to call God father and to have him call us his sons and daughters!
• The world will never acknowledge us as God's children and that is okay. We are not seekers of the worlds approval. We live to honor and please God and knowing him calls us to give up our life of sin.
• We are trapped in our earthly bodies; however, there is coming a time when Jesus will return and we will be transformed into our true state. We should work to purify our selves and die to sin in the hope that we can be like Jesus here and now.
• By nature we are law breakers and sinners who have no hope of change. Through Jesus we are able to die to sin and live for him. In Jesus there is no condemnation for sin. Although we must strive to live pure lives and let go of our sinful desires, where we fall short, Jesus rescues us.
• Sin pulls us away from Jesus and keeps us from knowing God. This is why it is so important that we stay honest with ourselves about sin in our lives and confess to one another so that we can be held accountable and truly repent.
• What sins have been pulling you back into the world that you need to confess and repent of today?

Romans 6:6-12

Romans 6:6-12 

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

12 Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires.

• Being crucified with Christ is a necessary step to your conversion. In order to live with Christ we must first die to our selves and die to the sins that have trapped us our entire lives. What sins have you been a slave to? What sins have controlled you for far too long? Put them to death!
• When we partake in Jesus's death and decide to crucify our selves and our sinful desires there is no power left in sin. Sin has no control over us.
• Living with Christ does not mean we are sin free. It means that we are no longer slaves to sin. There is a difference. When you are a slave to something you have no self control. You go where it wants you to go. You react the way it wants you to react. Being set free in Christ means sin no longer has that power over you.
• The fear of death is no longer a concern for someone who is alive in Christ. We know where we are going and what is waiting for us on the other side. When we were lost and filled with sin, death was an uncertain nightmare. Jesus has conquered death and has given us the power to conquer it as well!
• Jesus died once and for all. Jesus death was all inclusive and his resurrection gives us confidence to know that some day we will be with him in glory! The power of the resurrection has been passed on to us.
• Just as Jesus lives for the glory of God we too must lay down our lives and set aside our earthly desires and live for the glory of God in all that we do.
• Sinful desires will always remaining; however, the power to overcome and not be in slaved by them has been given to us! Praise God for providing the way of our redemption!

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 9:6-7

"A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace. The authority of his rule will continue to grow. The peace he brings will never end. He will rule on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will make the kingdom strong and secure. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever. The Lord's great love will make sure that happens. He rules over all."
‭
Jesus was a gift from God given to all mankind!

God gave Jesus all authority and he rules over us. It's time to step off your throne and acknowledged Jesus as Lord! There can only be one King and Jesus is the perfect King who brings peace and rules out of love, grace and mercy!

His kingdom and authority will continue to grow and his dominion will never end. He brings everlasting peace and sets our hearts free from bondage! Jesus is worthy of our worship. There never has been or never will be a King like him before! His lineage is strong and his throne is undeniable! He is the rightful King and we should surrender our all to him!

Jesus is fair and just! He doesn't show favoritism or partiality! His love and mercy are free given and offered to all with out reservation!

His kingdom will be strong and secure. Fortified and built to last eternity! You can be secure in knowing the Jesus will never leave you and will always be there to protect you and defend you in times of trouble!

Hebrews 9:12-14

Hebrews 9:12-14

12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

• The high priest could not enter the Holy of Holies without first cleansing himself. Jesus the ultimate high priest did not need to to do anything to enter the most holy place (Gods presence). Through his blood and sacrifice we too may enter freely.
• What freedom we have in Christ to commune with God directly and have a relationship with Him that is unencumbered. Freely we are able to go to God at any time and he will listen to us and accept us in his presence because of the blood of Jesus that makes us clean!
• Through Jesus, God released the requirements of the law and has allowed us to better serve God.
• As a priest, serving God consisted of many rituals that took a lot of time and effort just to be clean so that God could be near them.
• With all those rituals lifted and with Jesus's once and for all sacrifice; how much more time do we have to truly serve God in ways that directly impact the people around us.
• We can go to God in prayer immediately, serve God through loving our neighbor, carrying each others burdens, calling one another to righteousness, and holding each other accountable.
• This is now our acts of worship! Praise God and praise Jesus  for making this all possible
• How am I spending my time?
• In what ways can I use the time and freedom that God has given me to serve him more? 

Sermon on the mount

Sermon on the mount

Matthew 7:28-29

When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!

What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!

Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day

Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.

Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.

When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!

Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!

Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?








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Best sermon every -- Sermon on the mount!

Best sermon every -- Sermon on the mount!

Matthew 7:28-29

It was not just Jesus words that made it the best sermon ever. It was his life behind those words that set him apart. He talked about real issues of the day that were current and relevant. Jesus spoke on the law and connected the actions of the law with what God wanted to produce in our hearts! He defined Gods intent with the law!

Jesus talked about salvation and who would be saved! Jesus's salvation was a new concept for the Jews. Prior to Jesus teaching the only way to obtain salvation was to be born a Jew. Jesus opened salvation to the entire world.

Matthew 7:13-14

Salvation was opened up to the entire world and yet only a few will find salvation. There is only one road or another. Many of us don't intentionally turn off the road to salvation but many of us make a 1 degree turn that is barely noticeable. 1 degree off of flush over 10 years becomes a 90 degree turn. Either your on the path or not. There is no alternate route regardless of how close you are to the path.

Matthew 12:33

There is no need to argue or speculate who is on the rights path or not. By their fruit you will know who is a disciple of Jesus and who is not! Your can argue doctrine but you cannot argue a changed life that has been impacted by Jesus! If your bearing bad fruit you are not apart of the good tree! That's a hard teaching to accept.

Matthew 7:21-22

Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will be saved! Jesus is Lord is the most powerful statement we can make and yet just saying it will not bring salvation. Many people who are religious are not going to make it. Been religious is not Gods standard.

Matthew 7:24-25

Everyone who puts these words of mine into practice will be saved! Words that lead to action! The Jews were know for knowing Gods word and yet many of them had hearts and actions that were far from it! We have to be willing to put every word into practice. This should be our life long goal as a disciple of Jesus!

It's not about how good of a builder you are, it's about what you are building on! What is your foundation? What are you building your house on? Life is going to happen no matter what you build on. Building on the rock does not keep you from facing trials and hardships, but it will give you the foundation to whether any storm!




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Repentance and supplication

Repentance and supplication

Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.

Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.

Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.

Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.

Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.

Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!




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Sermon on the mount

Sermon on the mount

Matthew 7:28-29

When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!

What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!

Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day

Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.

Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.

When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!

Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!

Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?








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Gifts Are More Important Than Roles

Gifts are important over roles 

1 Corinthians 12: 13-26 

Every role is important in the body; every role is important. 

Every part matters!! 

• eagerly desire to grow our gifts!! 

"In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:8-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love is Messy - Unconditional Love is Messier

Love is Messy - Unconditional Love is Messier

The concept of unconditional love is great and ideal for those of us that have proclaimed Christ as our Lord, but it can also be a daunting and quite perplexing at times. 

  

Most of the time I don't realize how conditional my love for others is. And when I get hurt because my conditions have not been met, disappointment sets is, resentment and bitterness can quickly creep in. When I least expect it, i have shut down, and shut out the people I am supposed to "love" so much. 

I then resort to self help books, seeking knowledge and self empowerment... and then I realize, 

No amount of sacrifice, knowledge, power, money, etc., will ever bring peace that comes from true love... we may deceive ourselves into thinking that we've "gained" or attained something, but God reminds us that we gain "nothing" seeking out these things. 

Scripture reminds us that true knowledge is attained only when we seek out God's heart -- "... God IS love." ~ 1 John 4: 8

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV

Here I Am Send Me

Here I Am Send Me - Philip 

God truly is in control... Acts 6

1. Make yourself AVAILABLE Acts 8: 5-8

We must make ourselves available: when the right opportunity presents itself, we have to be available! 

Where is God wanting to send me this morning? How am I making myself available to be used by God? 

Why did God use Philip to go reach out to this influential person? 

God doesn't want titles, he wants a heart... he uses people that are willing to be used. 

Acts 3:8 - we have to be willing to sit down with others and take time out of the business of life to help others. 

1. You must be FLEXIBLE 

We should be ready when and for whatever God sends me. 

John 12: 24 - sometimes we have to go through hard time in order for God to use us. 

1. You have to be Knowledgeable 

We have to be in the word - talk about the word, and live it out!! 

 Read God's word, learn, apply!! Ask questions!!! Jesus was brilliant with the way he asked questions. 

Philip asked questions if the eunuch, then led him to Jesus!! 

Let's have the spirit of Philip "Here am I, send me!" 

Here Am I Send Me - Phillip

Here Am I Send Me - Phillip

Acts 6, Not the apostle Philip. The Philip that was put in charge of ministering to the orphans and widows. He was willing to go anywhere and do anything for God no matter how big or small!

Acts 8:7-8;26-27

Philip made himself available to be used by God. Whether is was caring for orphans and widows or following the spirit and converting dignitaries and heads of states!

Are you available to God to be used in any way God calls you to? Make yourself available! God can use anyone and often times uses people of low stature to accomplish extraordinary things! Philip had no name, title or position!

Do you want to be used by God?

2 Corinthians 12:9; it's not about how weak and powerless we are but about how strong and powerful God is!

Acts 3:1-10 we serve and help the people around us with what we have. All you need is a serving heart!

Phillip was flexible. We must be flexible! The spirit leads and we should be flexible and follow. Phillip left everything and went out to an isolated desert road to reach out to one soul.

John 12:24 hear and I send me requires self denial. When we make Jesus lord and we put to death our sinful nature and our own wants and desires we can be used in a very powerful way for God!

Acts 8:30 Phillip knew the word of God. He was knowledgeable in the scriptures to be able to share the God
Spel with the Ethiopian eunuch! How knowledgeable are you? Can you teach someone what the scriptures say about Jesus, salvation, and Gods will? Read, learn and apply!

Here am I send me!

2 Kings 7:3-11

2 Kings 7:3-11

Desperate men. Death at every turn. Before life with God and before salvation we were also doomed. Any direct we took would end in death with out God. If your a desperate man or woman trapped on both sides then this is a story for you! God used his full power to save Israel from an inescapable situation.

Romans 10:15

When you're in a dark place and you receive good news it is beautiful! All these men had to do is move towards salvation. If they had not gotten up and went to the enemies camp they would have died steps away from the miraculous salvation that God provided! We cannot earn our salvation; how ever if we sit and do nothing God will not save us. We have to accept the message. We have to move towards God!

God didn't make it hard. He made it easy but he still required them to step towards him. What moves do I need to start making today towards God? Repenting of sin in my life or changing my attitude towards God? What challenges do you need to overcome?

We all need good news! These men are rescued and quickly realize that this good news is too big to keep it to themselves! They immediately shared it with the people around them! It's the same way when find God. We have found forgiveness in an amount that is far beyond what we need. We need to share the good news! Everyone needs the good news of God! Everywhere we go we are surrounded by spiritually starving people longing to be fed. Here am I send me!

The power of testimony!

The power of testimony!

1 Thessalonians 2:8

Gods word is limitless in its power! Gods word never returns empty. And yet Paul refers to Gods word as "not only". Gods word is full of power, has all authority, and never returns empty; however, sharing your life with someone has an equally powerful impact!
Gods word manifest in us and in our testimony. Gods power manifest in us and our testimony! Paul recognized this biblical truth.

Sharing the gospel of Christ should be coupled with sharing your testimony. The scriptures come alive when they are proven true in your life!

Keys to a testimony:

Who were you before you met God?
How did God break into your life?
What was key to changing my life?
Who am I now with God and what is he doing in my life?

Rehaboam: All or Nothing

Rehaboam: All or Nothing

1 Kings 11: 11-13

2 chronicles 10:12-15, 18

• Partial Obedience Won't Cut It                      1 Chronicles ** Deuteronomy 17:14 -17 

       2 Chronicles 12:1, 11-12  Rehoboam was not completely evil; he was a man of partial obedience: submission to custom, but not to God's word. 

What areas in my life insinuating it self into my life? Do I hear what I want to hear? Or am I listening to God's word? 

Partial obedience does what it wants to hear; dilutes the word of God into cultural religion. Dilutes true worship - it's about others; not true Christianity = is about self. 

Partial obedience acts hastily; Following God when you're in need and rejecting God during good times. 

Partial obedience = partial blessings

2 Chronicles 12:2, 5, 8

If we are not fully obeying God, we are enslaved to sin! 

Acts 26:14 

Partial obedience will show up in our family life. 

We have a hard time loving; we demand things of others with hypocrisy. Our spiritual lives will also suffer - weakens relationships, we resent those that are the opposite of us. 

We need to obey fully!! Mark 10: 29-30

John 19:17-30 Jesus obeyed until the very end; taking care of others until the very end!!! 

Jesus's Full obedience brought about eternal life for us! Being made perfect by God!!! 

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Jude 1:3

Contend earnestly for the faith! What does that mean? To proclaim it, guard it, confirm it, fight for it! We are in the middle of the biggest cultural war that is being waged against Christianity. We are being forced to accept, bend, and water down our faith for the sake of tolerance. As shepherds and leaders of Gods church we need to contend earnestly for the faith!

We live in a socially acceptable godless word. God is being removed from every aspect of our lives through conformity. The moral rule book in the world is being re-written and the lines of morality are shifting. How can we make a difference?

The gospel with its call to repentance and a righteousness life style is viewed as a message of hate that excludes people. There is trouble in the world and there is trouble in the church. What do we stand for? What do we believe? There are so many more gray areas today. Gods world is black and white without double meanings or confusing contradictions.

We are guarding against sin as well as the culture shift. They call it new age or millennialism and accuse us of being old fashion or traditionalist. Gods word has to be our reference point.

2 Timothy 1:14 -- the early Christians were experiences the same struggles! 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2Timothy 4:3-4

2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:2-4 -- There is hope! The gospel of Christ changes lives and transcends all generations! Continuing in the faith! Stand firm! All scripture is God breathed! The bible is the answer!





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Shepherding in the 21st century!

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Jude 1:3

Contend earnestly for the faith! What does that mean? To proclaim it, guard it, confirm it, fight for it! We are in the middle of the biggest cultural war that is being waged against Christianity. We are being forced to accept, bend, and water down our faith for the sake of tolerance. As shepherds and leaders of Gods church we need to contend earnestly for the faith!

We live in a socially acceptable godless word. God is being removed from every aspect of our lives through conformity. The moral rule book in the world is being re-written and the lines of morality are shifting. How can we make a difference?

The gospel with its call to repentance and a righteousness life style is viewed as a message of hate that excludes people. There is trouble in the world and there is trouble in the church. What do we stand for? What do we believe? There are so many more gray areas today. Gods world is black and white without double meanings or confusing contradictions.

We are guarding against sin as well as the culture shift. They call it new age or millennialism and accuse us of being old fashion or traditionalist. Gods word has to be our reference point.

2 Timothy 1:14 -- the early Christians were experiences the same struggles! 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2Timothy 4:3-4

2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:2-4 -- There is hope! The gospel of Christ changes lives and transcends all generations! Continuing in the faith! Stand firm! All scripture is God breathed! The bible is the answer!





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Father's Day

Father's Day

FATHER AND SON

God demonstrates in his relationship with Jesus what type of relationship he wants with us and how much he loves us.

John 6:40; John 3:16,36; John 6:29; John 11:25; John 14:1 God's will is that we will put our faith in Jesus! In the gospel of John there are over 70 passages on putting our trust in Jesus! Everything rides on how you feel about his son. You cannot have a relationship with God without trusting in Jesus.

John 3:35-36 Jesus has all authority given to him by God. God has also given Jesus the authority to judge us on whether or not we will have eternal life.

Revelations 3:21 God gives Jesus all authority and Jesus wants to pass that same authority onto us!

FATHERS IMPACT ON THIER SONS

Genealogies in the bible are very important. There are several in the Old Testament and New Testament.


Jesus learned everything from his father.

What Jesus did -- John 5:19;10:32;14:31
What Jesus said/taught -- John 3:31-32; 7:16; 12:49-50; 14:10,24

Fathers have a huge impact on their children.

John 8:25-47

Jesus redefined the genealogy of the Jews. No longer did it matter who your physical father was but who your spiritual father is. It no longer matters where you came from or what environment you grew up in. You have a choice in spiritual fathers. God or the devil! When people look at your life, when they hear what you say or see what you do, who do they think your father is?!

John 8:14 do you come from God and do you know where you are going?





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Why do people ask questions about God that limit hi

Why do people ask questions about God that limit him to humanity? Questions like, "is God male or female?" Where is God? What does God look like?...etc.

God is all mighty, all knowing, and all powerful. He is not confined to human limitations. God is unimaginable and unfathomable. Man does not have the ability to comprehend God.

Man's heart is dispositioned to question. If this was not the case then man would have boundless faith.

Life of Purpose

Life of Purpose

2 Samuel 5:1-4; Acts 13:36

David served Gods purpose in his life. David started his rein when he was 30 and lived to about 70 years. There where many men how lived much longer during that time. David served Gods purpose and then he died! Are you serving Gods purpose for your life? Are your serving Gods purpose or your own? Are you trying to find Gods purpose in your life are you just comfortable and coasting through life with no spiritual direction?

Mathew 25:14-30 Parable of the talents example: God would rather you do something with the talent and risk loosing it than to do nothing! He called that servant; "wicked and lazy!"

2 Chronicles 34:1-3 Josiah only lived 39 years. Much shorter than David's life span but Josiah fulfilled Gods purpose in his life as well! Jesus lived even shorter. It's not about the time you have but what you do with the time that God has given you!










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Kings of Judah

Kings of Judah

Rehoboam; all or nothing!

1 Kings 11:11-13

Rehoboam takes over the kingdom of Judah from his father Solomon. He took over the kingdom under rocky circumstances. He rejected the advice of his elders and listened to his friends and tried to rule Judah with an iron fist. As a result the kingdom was split!

2 chronicles 10:12-15;18; Deuteronomy 17:14-17; 2 Chronicles 12:11-12

Partial obedience will not cut it. God wants all or nothing! God did not want his people and their leaders to turn back to Egypt. Egyptian wives, culture, wealth and life styles lead Israel astray. The same is true for us if we surround our selves with the word we will be I ticked to live like they do. Rehoboam was not a man that was completely evil. He was partially obedient when he wanted to be.

Partial obedience hears what it wants to hear. As a Christian we would never outwardly say we are going to go against Gods word but we indirectly do it by living our lives in partial obedience. Partial obedience dilutes true Christianity and replaces it with cultural religious christians that follow the mainstream thought of the day.

Partial obedience acts first and seeks advice after. It means following God when you are in need and then abandoning it when things are going great.

Partial obedience means partial blessings. 2 Chronicles 12:2;5;8 God spared Israel from being wiped out but at the same time they were handed over into slavery. We think we are being set free when we make our own decisions. We think we control sin but sin controls us. Sin enslaves us. True freedom is found through God alone!

God is demonstrates this point in Acts 26:14. God pokes us in the direction he wants us to go and how often do I turn the other direction and fight against God? Every ox and every cow in the world will move in the direction away from the poking and prodding. As Christians, many of us fight God through partial obedience.

Children don't go half way. They embrace everything to the full. Whether it is eating or playing they are all in. We set boundaries on them. We need to pursue God in the same way; all of nothing! Partial obedience will destroy our families.

Partial obedience wrecks our a spiritual lives and keeps us from having an impact on anyone around us.

Mark 10:29-30 when we follow God whole heartedly we do not miss out on a single blessing! We get overwhelmed by the spiritual return. We are blessed beyond measure! How many blessings do we miss out on because of partial obedience?

John 19:17-30 Jesus is the ultimate example for us! Jesus obeyed all the way! To the very end!






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Kings of Judah; King Josaih!

Kings of Judah; King Josaih!

1 Corinthians 10:11

2 chronicles 34:1-2

Became king at 8yrs old. Josiah did amazing things for god and was one of the most righteous kings of Judah. Josiah had a horrible example in his father and he lived in an evil period of time.

2 chronicles 34:3-7; 15-19 at 16 he started seeking a relationship with God. He took action and built convictions in Gods word and commands! In Josiah's day the whole nation of Judah was immersed in idolatry and false Gods. An entire generation lived without the Gods word and the Bible was lost for generations!

We live in an evil day as well! 2 Timothy 3:1-3; 4:3-4 our world has rejected god! Our wold is no different from one generation to the next. If we just follow the pattern of the world around you, you will end up a wicked man of woman. How did Josiah break the cycle?

2 chronicles 22-33 Josiah sought God, became broken over his sin, humbled himself before God and took action to repent! He also called the people around him to do the same! Because of his leadership and convictions he helped change the destiny of a nation!

What does it take for us to seek God? It's never too early to run to God and it's never too late to turn to God either! What are you seeks my after? Where do you spend your time and money on? There is a different between looking and seeking. Seeking implies a relentless pursuit of something. You don't stop until you find it!

What are you seeking after? We seek after many ungodly things sometimes and that is the definition of idolatry! Putting anything before God! Seeking the Lord is hard!

It's hard to seek the lord and obey Gods word.

God worked through Josiah and he can work through us as well!

2 Chronicles 34:33 when Josiah ended his life he lived a testimony of one who radically changed the nation of Judah!

Don't be discouraged by living in an evil world! Be encouraged to seek God with all your heart and change your destiny and the destiny of the people around you!

Generational Christianity

Generational Christianity

Psalms 78:1-7; psalms 145:3-6

God plan has always been for one generation to pass on God's word to another generation.

What happened when God had to chose a home for his son to be raised in? God had to pick a family to raise his son to become the savior of the world. Who have you entrusted your kids to? Do you not scrutinize everyone before you entrust your children to them? What did God see in Mary and Joseph? Sobering thought to think about.

Luke 1:26-38 Mary's reaction tells the story of who she was and why God chose her! "What ever you want God", isn't that the attitude that Jesus had in the garden 33 years latter? Where did he learn that? Joseph also agreed to accept Mary as his wife even though she was pregnant. Matthew 1:20-25

Joseph and Mary both had a go anywhere, do anything for God. As parents for the messiah, they help raise Jesus the way that God intended for them to raise his son! Who taught Mary and Joseph this kind of obedience to God? Generation to generation. We also know that the book of James and Jude were written by Jesus's half brothers. Jesus left a legacy in his own family.

Satans plan has always been to divide families and to stop generational Christianity.

Galatians 3:26-28 we all have cultural baggage that we bring into the church but with God we are all one. Christ brings us all together and connects us to our spiritual family. Colossians 3:11-16






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Family Matters

Family Matters

Parenting in general:

Deuteronomy 6:1-3; Isaiah 66:13; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8; Titus 2:1-8

There are not a whole lot of scriptures in the bible about parenting. There are many examples of bad parenting. Many wicked kings of Israel ended up having children that God raised up and became righteous men of God. God can use any parent; however, God does promise that if we instill biblical principals in our children that they will not turn away from them.

Being a perfect parent is impossible. It is not conceivable and God does not put that expectation on us. Growing and changing is the expectation. Regardless of the mistakes made, God expects us to continue to grow and change. Repentance is the expectation!

Parenting teens and young adults:

Lecturing less, listening more. Influencing and coaching. We accomplish this by our example more than by our words. Teens still need boundaries but it is a tricker proposition when they get older. You can't control a teen. You have to let them live life in some ways. When we are too controlling you get rebellion. Some times you just have to change your approach and then change your approach again if you have to.

To be honest we don't trust our kids. But we need to communicate to them, "I trust your heart but not your experience".

You have to pick your battles more. Determine what is really important and focus on those things and relax on the rest. The relationship you have with your teen is changing and will continue to change into adult hood. Embrace the change, don't fight it. As parents we are the ones who have to adapt.

"A man convinced against his will holds the same opinion still" -- this about that! Ask a lot of questions. Stop lecturing and listen more.

You want your kids to have the convictions you have without going through the heart aches you went through to get them. But sometimes that is not realty. They each have their own path.

Three things adult children need from us -- freedom, friendship, and love! Giving advice only when asked unless you cannot in good consciences not say anything. Ask for permission to give advice even in that situation. Advice from a parent comes across more as criticism instead of advice.

Think about what makes up a good friendship and keep that in mind when trying to be a good friend to your adult child. Our kids never out grow their need for support and love from their parents. Unconditional love is always going to be a need they have.

You have a life time to influence and it goes back to your faithfulness.








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Shepherding

Shepherding

Acts 20:28-31

I cannot help others if I am not watching myself both emotionally and spiritually. Keeping watch over yourself is the most important thing you can do in shepherding with anyone else. Watch the flock. Keep your eyes open and protect the church.

Ten things that will help you keep the right perspective.

- our role is to equip people to do their part (equip the saints for?...works of service). We need to help people help the, selves and then help other people.
- we have different overlapping roles. It's ok. God made us different for a reason and uses us all differently.
- you have to fight being self righteous. Never look down on anyone no matter what the situation may be.
- there are always two sides to every story. Be very slow to react until you know both sides.
- it's not always "everyone". It can feel that way but ask questions find out who specifically.
- know the difference between scripture and opinion.
- be willing to try new things. There is not a one size fits all solution.
- we can't help everyone. Sometimes we are not equip to help in certain situations or people just don't want help.
- people can and do change. Don't give up and have faith.
- the majority of the people in your church are probably doing ok. Not everyone is struggling.





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Mothers Day

Mothers Day

Mother's Day can be a very emotional day and a struggle for most people. People that have lost their mothers or grandmothers. Although we celebrate mothers and the gift that they are from God it can be hard for some people who are still grieving and mourning. Grieving is an emotional event created by God to allow us to process pain and suffering.

God devoted a lot of the psalms for lamenting.

Psalms 13:1; psalms 22:6; psalms 55:4-7; psalms 69:2-3; psalms 88:3;6;13-14

In life there will always be tragedy and suffering, why is there suffering?
- other people! Everyone has free will and people chose evil over good!
- our own sin. We cause suffering in other people.
- our bodies. Our bodies are determination and were not meant for eternity. They will cause suffering!
- Satan!
- God. Ultimately God allows suffering. It may come from other sources but God has the power to stop it.

Deuteronomy 32:39 ;1 Samuel 2:6; Isaiah 45:7

It's uncomfortable sometimes to think about why God allows suffering in the world.

What are the benefits of suffering?
- develops moral character.
- draws people to God ( psalms 119:71 )
- the way we Handel suffering draws other people to God.
- develops compassion for others and enables us to help others.
- makes us more like Jesus
- makes us more grateful
- better understand Gods love for us.
- forces/allows you to live a life of self denial.

Looking backwards we can always see how God has been working in our lives even in suffering. How do we react in the moment? What do we do when bad things happen? Anger, pride, fear?

Look at the way the psalmist cries out to God. Psalms 13,43,60 you can feel the passion, grieve and suffering. They petition God in there times of need and they express confidence in God and praise him! In suffering we want two things. We want it to end as soon as possible and we want understanding. Why is this happening to me? The psalmist cries out to God in expressing their pain and they move to faith and trust in God. This is what God wants from us in suffering.

How do you move toward faith and confidence in God? Psalms 62. God is strong and loving! A complete faith trust both; that God is strong and loving!

Conclusion!

Suffering is unavoidable. You may not know why you are suffering. God is with you (psalms 62:11-12). You need to move from hopeless desperation to security and trust! Psalms 126:6

Even Jesus had to suffer to become what God wanted him to be!





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Disciples of Jesus

Disciples of Jesus

Jesus prayed all night before selecting his disciples and created a group of twelve disciples. Luke 6:12
Jesus met in groups and spent time with his disciples. What did he do with them? He gave them instructions. Matthew 21:6; Disciples do what Jesus tells them to do. Serve one another, deny self, seek the lost...etc

Mathew 23:1 Jesus taught his disciples and they listen to his words. Luke 8:9 they didn't just hear the words. They talked about what it meant. John 4:8 they bought food together and ate it together. Mark 11:19 they traveled together out of town and spent time together. John 4:2 they baptized together. Luke 11:1 they prayed together. Matthew 18:1 they argued almost themselves and were not perfect. They were full of sin just like everyone else.


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Treasure in jars of clay.

Treasure in jars of clay.

Matthew 11:1-4

John the Baptist, the one called to prepare the way for the Lord was now questioning him. Why? Jesus didn't quote scriptures that validated who he was. He showed John his life. His ministry. The things he was doing on a daily basis! My personal ministry says a lot about who I am and what I stand for.

Matthew 11:7-9

Originally Johns mission was so ver clear to him in the beginning! Maybe things did not happen the way he had envisioned. Doubting God is a temptation that does not escape anyone.

2 Corinthians 4:1-4 ;5-7

We are not guaranteed blessings. We cannot loose heart and have to focus on the ministry of Christ in all situations! We have treasures in jars of clay. The jars are not attractive to the world and made of a fragile material that the world rejects but these jars are filled with treasures from heaven! Grace, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, true love, unconditional love, security in God...etc.

John 12:23-26;27-28

Much will come out of our sufferings and sacrifices than any material blessings that we may receive. If we die to self we live in Christ!

2 Corinthians 5:11-15;

2 Corinthians 6:3 would Christ discrete my ministry? What would he discredited it for? What is my ministry lacking that would not please God?

2 Corinthians 6:4-11 this is our treasures in jars of clay. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus talked about treasure often because he knew our hearts would be constantly pulled in a worldly direction. If my treasure is truly in jars of clay then my heart is going to be grounded in a relationship with God!

If there is anything in my life that is keeping me from finding the treasure that God has giving me then it needs to be removed!


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One Day To Live, One Eternity to Live!

One Day To Live, One Eternity to Live!

What am I really loving for? Who am I really living for? Am I really living my life for things that matter? Knowing that you were dying would change everything!

Jesus spoke of things that make no sense to the world! Luke 9:24; Matthew 20:26-27; Luke 6:20-22; 26-28;
Even the apostles reacted in ways that make no sense to the world! Acts 5:40-42 ...the resurrection of Jesus changed everything! Only the resurrection can make sense of Jesus teachings and the apostles actions! Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45; Luke 18:34; John 10:6....the resurrection made it all make sense! John 2:22; John 12:16 The resurrection has unlocked everything for us today as well!

Before the resurrection the apostles were cowards and spineless! After the resurrection they were bold and unyielding with no fear in the face of death!

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 the resurrection has been under attack! We need to stand firm on the gospel! The gospel of Christ is nothing without the resurrection! 1 Corinthians 15:12-22

So what power is there in the resurrection? 1 Corinthians 6:14 the resurrection gives us the promise of forgiveness, eternity and a new life! Romans 4:25


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The Kingdom!

The Kingdom!

A man's last words are important. When someone speaks his last words you listen, you take notice of what is said. But what about A man's words after he has come back to life from death? How important are those words?

What did Jesus spent his time doing after the resurrection? Acts 1:3 Jesus spent 40 days with the disciples after his resurrection! What happened in those 40 days? He taught about the Kingdom of heaven! This was one of the first things he preached at the beginning of his ministry as well that the Kingdom was near!

What is the good news? It's the Kingdom. What is the Kingdom? It's the good news! Jesus talked a lot about the Kingdom and the resurrection! Because of salvation, because of grace, because of Jesus....we have the Kingdom to look forward to! In Matthew 13 Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God in the form of several parables.

Matthew 13:24-30

The Kingdom is not for everyone! Jesus talked a lot about judgement and the fact that not everyone will be allowed to enter the Kingdom!

Matthew 13:32

The Kingdom grows! It starts small and it gets big. The Kingdom is like yeast. You let a little bit in and it just takes over your life! How are you growing? Being in the Kingdom causes growth!

Matthew 13:44

The Kingdom cost you. It cost everything you have! This is what the kingdom is like. It will take everything you have. If you hold anything back you won't be able to afford it! Once you get it though you will be rich beyond measure! When someone is desperate they will do anything. How desperate for the Kingdom are you?

Will you spend everything you have for the Kingdom? What are you not willing to give up?

The Kingdom doesn't come easy! It is obtainable for everyone; however, everyone does not take hold of it! Jesus never let the Kingdom come easy. He did not answer all the questions about the Kingdom and left many questions unanswered.